Do you get a refund if you switch car insurance?
Asked by: Carlos Brekke | Last update: October 17, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (4 votes)
Do I get a refund if I change my car insurance?
After you purchase a new policy, you should immediately contact your former insurer and cancel your old policy. You'll receive a refund for car insurance for any unused portion of your policy, subject to any cancellation fee your insurer may charge.
What happens if I switch auto insurance?
The carrier refunds the unused part of the premium, although some companies may charge a small fee or penalty. Even if you've already decided to switch, you may want to calculate whether it makes more financial sense to wait until a policy term ends before making the change.
Is there a cancellation fee for switching insurance?
Cancel your old car insurance policy
If you're canceling your policy early, you might need to pay an early cancelation fee subject to your policy's terms and conditions. Additionally, your policy could be set for automatic renewal, which is important to note if you're making the switch around renewal time.
Can I cancel my policy and get a refund?
You can cancel a health insurance policy by informing your insurer. However, the percentage of refund you will receive will depend on which time in the policy cycle you initiated the cancellation. Also, a refund is usually applicable only if you have not raised any claims during the policy term.
Can I cancel my insurance at anytime?
Do you get refunded after canceling an insurance policy?
Receiving an insurance refund will largely depend on why you're canceling the policy and how much of the premium you paid in advance. If you pay your full premium upfront, then you'll typically get a refund when you cancel your policy.
Can I cancel my insurance policy within 14 days?
As with most goods or services, it's a legal requirement to provide you with a 'cooling off period' to give you 14 days to cancel your insurance policy. You don't even have to give a reason.
Should I cancel my car insurance before switching?
Car owners may switch providers if they're moving, buying a new car, or want to pay less for their policy. When switching car insurance, cancel your old policy on the day your new policy starts to avoid a coverage gap.
Does GEICO refund if you cancel?
Yes. You can cancel your GEICO policy anytime and potentially receive a refund on the remaining balance of your premiums.
Can I switch car insurance in the middle of a policy?
Yes! Most car insurance policies have 6 or 12-month terms. If at any time and for any reason you want to make a switch to another insurer mid-policy, you typically have the right to cancel your policy.
Does it cost money to switch insurance from one car to another?
The transfer itself doesn't cost any extra money, but having a new loan or lease on the vehicle may require an increase in coverage, depending on what you already have.
Is Progressive or Geico better?
When it comes to the provider rankings from the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, both carriers scored below the industry average — but Geico takes the lead with a score of 692 compared to Progressive's score of 672.
Is there a cancellation fee for Progressive?
Is there a fee for cancelling Progressive? This varies by state and when you purchased the policy. In some states, Progressive will charge a $50 cancelation fee if you cancel within your first term; meaning your policy has not yet renewed. Once the policy has renewed there will no longer be a cancellation fee.
What happens when you switch car insurance?
Check for potential penalties
If you switch at the end of your policy term, there is unlikely to be a penalty, but some carriers may include one if you decide to switch in the middle of your coverage period.
Is there a penalty for cancelling car insurance?
At the same time, you might also be subject to a cancellation fee. Many companies don't charge such penalties, but with those that do, you can expect to pay a flat fee of under $100 or around 10% to 15% of the remaining policy premium.
How long does an insurance refund take?
It depends how you're getting your refund. Refund checks can take 7 to 15 days to receive by mail, but you may receive them faster by opting for direct deposit or to print your check. If your insurance refund is being sent back to your card, it's usually 3 days for debit cards and 7 days for credit cards.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my auto insurance?
Generally, insurers will refund you the money for the unused portion of your policy, assuming you paid in advance. However, depending on your state, and when you cancel, your insurer may charge a cancellation fee.
How much is the GEICO cancellation fee?
If you want to cancel your policy, GEICO makes it easy with no cancellation fee*.
Do insurance companies give refunds?
If you paid your premium in advance and cancel your policy before the end of the term, the insurance company might refund the remaining balance. Most auto insurers will prorate your refund based on the number of days your current policy was in effect.
Is it better to cancel car insurance or let it lapse?
A lapse in coverage may cause insurance companies to see you as a high-risk driver, even if you have a good driving record. It can also potentially impact your future car insurance premiums. It's best to keep continuous coverage to get the best insurance rate and make sure that you're protected in a car accident.
Can I switch insurance companies in the middle of a claim?
You can switch auto insurance companies after an accident while your claim is still pending. It is important to consider your reasons for switching, ensure there is no gap in coverage, and be aware of the potential impact on your claim.
Can I change my car insurance whenever I want?
You have the flexibility to change car insurance at any time, even mid-policy. Timing the start of your new policy and end of the old one is important for avoiding a gap or overlap in coverage.
Can I get money back from automatic renewal car insurance?
You should get a refund of any premiums you have already paid. However, your insurer may take off a small amount to cover days when the policy was in force. They may also charge you a small administration fee. Some insurers may give you a longer cooling-off period.
Can you transfer insurance to another car?
You can transfer your insurance policy to another vehicle if you can't drive your car anymore. However, this process may differ depending on why you can't drive. For example, if the insurance company deems your vehicle a total loss due to an accident, you aren't selling or trading it in.
Does it cost to cancel car insurance?
While you should get some kind of refund from your insurer, you still have to pay for the days you've had cover for. And insurers can charge an admin fee for cancelling within this window. Check your policy documents - they should tell you exactly when they charge a fee for cancellations."